Modular Silencer Baffles for Gas Turbine Intake Noise Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines experience significant noise and vibration due to the large volume of intake air moving through the intake air housing and air duct, which is undesirable and requires effective noise and vibration reduction methods.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a silencer baffle system within the air duct, comprising modular baffle sections coupled via mating interlock structures and stabilized by support rods, which are designed to absorb noise through sound absorption materials and reduce vibration by forming an aerodynamic shape and using patterns on the exterior surfaces to enhance turbulence and noise absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a large volume of intake air moves through the intake air housing and air duct to support the combustion process, then the gas turbine engine can maintain suitable performance, but significant noise and vibration are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine performanceVSAvoidnoise and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer baffle is divided into multiple modular baffle sections that can be coupled together via mating interlock structures. This segmentation allows the noise reduction system to be configured in different arrangements and enables maintenance of individual sections without replacing the entire silencer assembly, thereby addressing noise reduction while maintaining engine performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The silencer baffle acts as an intermediary element disposed within the air duct to reduce noise and vibration generated by the intake air flow. The baffle sections with sound absorption materials serve as a mediator between the high-velocity air flow and the engine components, reducing harmful noise and vibration while allowing the required air volume to pass through.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If silencer baffles are applied to reduce noise and vibration in the intake air housing and air duct, then noise and vibration are reduced, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibrationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer baffle is divided into multiple modular baffle sections that can be coupled together via mating interlock structures. This segmentation allows the noise reduction system to be configured in different arrangements and enables maintenance of individual sections without replacing the entire silencer assembly, thereby addressing noise reduction while maintaining engine performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular baffle sections are designed with universal mating interlock structures that allow different sections to be coupled together in various configurations. Each section can serve multiple purposes including noise reduction, vibration reduction, and airflow management, thereby reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If modular baffle sections are coupled together via mating interlock structures, then ease of assembly and maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and maintenanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer baffle is divided into multiple modular baffle sections that can be coupled together via mating interlock structures. This segmentation allows the noise reduction system to be configured in different arrangements and enables maintenance of individual sections without replacing the entire silencer assembly, thereby addressing noise reduction while maintaining engine performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mating interlock structures are designed to enable self-aligning and self-securing coupling of baffle sections without requiring additional fastening operations or specialized tools. The interlock structures automatically engage and secure the sections together, providing ease of assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The silencer baffle system effectively reduces noise and vibration within the gas turbine engine by utilizing modular baffle sections and sound absorption materials, improving airflow and maintaining engine stability while allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

designed to absorb noise through sound absorption materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3296547B1Apparatus for modularized inlet silencer baffles

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A system includes a conduit having a fluid flow path; and a silencer baffle (28) disposed in the fluid conduit along the fluid flow path, wherein the silencer baffle (28) has a plurality of baffle sections (36) and at least two of the plurality of baffle sections are coupled together via mating interlock structures (42).